Dianne Arnett, M.A., LMFT, LPC

Austin Marriage & Family Therapist

You’re just not “there”. Yet.

You feel like you’re always chasing the hope of a life that feels better than it does right now—whether you know exactly what that change looks like or just know something simply isn’t working anymore. 

I'm here to help uncover what “getting there” looks like for you.

I know how frustrating and lonely it is to feel like you have to solve these questions on your own. As a seasoned marriage and family therapist with a wealth of lived experiences, I help couples, families, and individuals understand what’s keeping them stuck and take meaningful steps towards the life and relationships they desire.

Real change begins by opening a dialogue.

So step into my office and get cozy. A warm space crafted to feel like a living room, filled with books and gifts from clients and friends I’ve met along the way. Each one with a story. 


It’s here we’ll focus on yours. 


At Talking Points Psychotherapy, we talk it through. Your biggest frustrations and even the seemingly minuscule details. Together, we’ll uncover the important points—patterns, concerns, goals, and maybe a few surprises. My goal is to help you understand yourself better, create a clear vision for what you want, and equip you with the skills you need to achieve your goals. 


Sometimes the work may be gradual, or one conversation becomes the catalyst, but these are the meaningful conversations that pave the way towards change, relief, deeper connections, healing, and growth. 

The Talking Points Psychotherapy office, where Austin marriage and family therapist Dianne Arnett co

Hi, I'm Dianne,

Smiling portrait of Dianne Arnett, an Austin Marriage and Family therapist.

An Austin Marriage and Family Therapist who takes “experienced” to a new level.

I’ve lived through many seasons—a culmination of experiences that brought me to the understanding that I was born to serve. 


I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and learning their stories, cultures, and perspectives. It’s a curiosity that has ultimately shaped and led me to this passion that I call my profession. 


Throughout my years, I’ve collected many titles and certifications. I’ve been an educator, social worker, school director, teacher, speaker, and a marriage and family therapist. (You’re welcome to view the full breadth of my training here—buckle up, it’s a long list!)

But you’re not just working with a therapist with an impressive resume...

You’re working with a therapist who also is a…

  • Dedicated mother in multiple iterations: A foster mother to 18 children from one-day-old to two years old, and mother to my own children and stepchildren. (Not to mention a dog mom to our sweet goldendoodle, Lamb!)
  • Published writer and co-author of Sudden Wealth: Blessing or Burden.
  • Self-proclaimed “education junkie”. I’m always advancing my education in every way I can, and you’ll typically find me watching a webinar or educational video on my lunch break. My study subjects range from learning more about how the brain and body connect to trying to crack my ultimate nemesis: technology.
  • Dedicated traveler. Geography was one of my favorite subjects as a child—I was in utter awe of the photos depicting worlds so different from mine. I steer clear of the tourist attractions and focus on immersing myself fully in the local culture and new viewpoints.
  • Green thumb. My house is bursting at the seams with plants. In another life, I could’ve been a landscape architect!
  • Lifelong volunteer. My first volunteer role was at the age of 12! For over 30 years, I’ve served as a board member on numerous philanthropic and advisory boards and chaired countless committees, including St. Edward’s University, Samaritan Counseling Center, Settlement Home of Austin, Parent’s Warm Line of Austin, St. Stephen Parent’s Board, St. Austin’s Parish Council, Genie Kilpatrick Foundation, and many more. 

In short, you’ve found the therapist with both the experience and perspective to know…

That life can be unpredictable, messy, and challenging, but there’s always a next chapter in your story. No matter what you’re facing, with the right support and tools, turning to a fresh page is possible. 


My story has instilled in me the expertise and empathy to help you make sense of your pain points, feel understood no matter what you’re struggling with, and lay the groundwork for the life you desire. 

Therapy starts with talking. Then we turn insight into action.

Understanding your burden is a prelude to the real work. Once we’ve uncovered your repetitive frustrations and where you keep getting stuck, you can begin to move the needle towards growth.


Together, we’ll strategize and outline your blueprint for change, start building the skills you need to put it into practice out in the world, and monitor our progress.  

I support...

Couples

Keep the bloom of your love alive and growing for years to come. I help couples at every stage deepen intimacy and build a lasting relationship by addressing communication, trust, and mutual goals.

Families

Family dynamics can be challenging, no matter the size and shape of your family. Family counseling offers a supportive space for you to deepen communication skills, understanding, and relationships together.

Individuals

You’re looking to become the best version of yourself and to live a life with deeper meaning. But you’re stuck on how to get there. Let’s look at the patterns holding you back and create an actionable plan for the growth you’re seeking.

Organ Transplant Patients

Expert guidance and support for the mental, physical, and emotional challenges through the organ transplantation process, so you can find healing at every level.

You are welcome here, no matter your background, identity, age, or stage of development. 

If you’re ready to build meaningful, lasting change in your life and your relationships...

Then you've come to the right place. 


I ensure your healing journey takes place in an environment rooted in:

Acceptance

Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here. Drop the mask you’ve been shielding yourself behind, and relax into speaking how you really feel, knowing you’ll receive only warmth and understanding. 

Compassionate Care

You’re seeking to become the best version of yourself and to live a life with deeper meaning. But you’re stuck on how to get there. Let’s look at the patterns holding you back and create an actionable plan for the growth you’re seeking. 

Openness

Therapy is a vulnerable process, and one where you should never feel like your therapist is holding back on you. I’m an open book! This is a safe space where you’ll get straightforward, honest answers that prioritize your growth.

Education

Knowledge is empowerment. When you understand how your experiences impact your reactions, you can use that information to positively influence the outcomes of your decisions. As a self-professed “education junkie”, I’m always learning more about the brain-body connection, and I’m dedicated to passing that information on to you. 

The "Yet" of it all.

In my office, you’ll find a large collection of “yet” signs that I’ve amassed over the years. Because the real secret is: none of us ever truly “get there”. 


Every day brings the opportunity for new growth, self-discovery, and deeper connections in your relationships. We’re living a life with unending potential to be better today than we were yesterday.

So, it’s okay if you’re not where you want to be YET.

Whether you’re seeking more excitement and intimacy in your relationships, navigating big changes with your family, or seeking to understand yourself a bit better, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’m here to help you on your journey towards meaningful growth and the life you desire.